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Trace element and PGE distribution in layered ferromanganese crusts

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Abstract

A collection of layered ferromanganese ores (27 samples) from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans was studied. Trace element and PGE contents were determined layer-by-layer (up to 10 microlayers) in 13 of these samples.

The trace, rare earth, and platinum group element distributions, including their layer-to-layer variations, were compared in hydrogenic and hydrothermal crusts from different regions. It was found that the main PGE variations (by a factor of 10–50) are related to their layer-to-layer variations within a given ore field.

The distributions of PGE and trace elements are strongly heterogeneous, which is related, first, to different contents of the elements in the layers of different age in ferromanganese crusts (FMC) and, second, to the observed regional heterogeneity and influence of hydrothermal fluids. Geochemical data indicate that CFC formation was mainly caused by the hydrochemical precipitation of material from seawater. This process was accompanied by diagenetic phenomena, water-rock interaction, and influence of volcanic and hydrothermal sources.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Kosygina 19, Moscow, 119991, Russia

    A. M. Asavin, D. A. Sapozhnikov, I. A. Roshchina & L. N. Kogarko

  2. All-Russia Research Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources of the World Ocean (VNIIOkeanologiya), Angliiskii pr. 1, St. Petersburg, 190121, Russia

    L. I. Anikeeva, V. A. Kazakova & S. I. Andreev

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  1. A. M. Asavin
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  2. L. I. Anikeeva
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  3. V. A. Kazakova
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Correspondence to A. M. Asavin.

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Original Russian Text © A.M. Asavin, L.I. Anikeeva, V.A. Kazakova, S.I. Andreev, D.A. Sapozhnikov, I.A. Roshchina, L.N. Kogarko, 2008, published in Geokhimiya, 2008, No. 12. pp. 1251–1279.

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Asavin, A.M., Anikeeva, L.I., Kazakova, V.A. et al. Trace element and PGE distribution in layered ferromanganese crusts. Geochem. Int. 46, 1179–1205 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1134/S001670290812001X

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